The Shiralee (novel)
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William Sloane Associates (USA)
 First UK edition | |
| Author | D'Arcy Niland |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Angus & Robertson (Australia/UK) William Sloane Associates (USA) |
Publication date | 1955 |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Pages | 223 pp |
| Preceded by | – |
| Followed by | Call Me When the Cross Turns Over |
The Shiralee is the debut full-length novel by D'Arcy Niland published in 1955.[1] It was adapted into a movie in 1957 and a mini series in 1987.
The swagman Macauley takes his young daughter Buster on the road with him.
Reception
It sold more than 90,000 copies in Australia.[2]
Australian newspaper The Argus called it a "great Australian novel".[3]
The New York Times called it a "fine story" which Niland "told well... Mr Niland's approach is honest as it is refreshing... one wants to hear more from him".[4]
Adaptations
Film rights were sold in 1955 for a reported £10,000.[5]
In 1957 a British film was made by Ealing Studios, directed by Leslie Norman and starred Peter Finch.
A second adaptation was made in 1987. It was an Australian TV film directed by George Ogilvie, starring Bryan Brown and Noni Hazelhurst.
A stage adaptation was made by Kate Mulvany for the Sydney Theatre Company in 2025.[6][7]